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Literary Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

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Literary Assistant information

What is a literary assistant?

Literary assistants are professionals who provide administrative and organizational support to literary agents, editors, or publishers. Their duties often include reading and evaluating manuscripts, managing correspondence with authors and clients, scheduling meetings, and handling submissions. Literary assistants help ensure smooth operations within a literary agency or publishing house, serving as a key link between authors and industry professionals. This role is often an entry point for those interested in pursuing a career in publishing or literary representation.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a literary assistant in a publishing agency?

A Literary Assistant in a publishing agency typically manages a variety of tasks such as scheduling meetings, tracking manuscript submissions, and preparing query letters. They often act as the first point of contact for authors and editors, handling correspondence and organizing the agent's calendar. Additionally, Literary Assistants may review incoming manuscripts, provide feedback, and maintain records of contracts and royalties. This role requires excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a literary assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Literary Assistant, you need excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and a solid background in English, literature, or publishing. Familiarity with manuscript tracking systems, Microsoft Office, and sometimes editorial software like Adobe InDesign or proofreading tools is typically required. Strong organizational abilities, discretion, and a proactive attitude help you manage multiple projects and build relationships with authors and agents. These skills are crucial for efficiently supporting literary agents or editors, ensuring smooth workflow, and contributing to the success of literary projects.

What is the difference between Literary Assistant vs Editorial Assistant?

AspectLiterary AssistantEditorial Assistant
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, strong writing and communication skillsBachelor's degree, editing and proofreading skills
Work EnvironmentPublishing houses, literary agencies, or literary departmentsPublishing companies, magazines, or publishing departments
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in literary and publishing industriesAcross various publishing sectors including books, magazines, and online media
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in literary publishingUnderstanding roles in editing and publishing

Literary Assistants typically focus on supporting literary agents or publishers with manuscript review, research, and administrative tasks, often in literary agencies or publishing houses. Editorial Assistants handle editing, proofreading, and content preparation for publications. While both roles require strong communication skills and a bachelor's degree, Literary Assistants are more involved in manuscript acquisition and agent support, whereas Editorial Assistants focus on content editing and production processes.

How do you become a literary assistant?

To become a literary assistant, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in English, literature, or a related field, along with strong writing, editing, and organizational skills. Experience in publishing, internships, or familiarity with manuscript review processes can also be beneficial. Some roles may require knowledge of industry tools like Microsoft Office or editing software.

What are the most commonly searched types of Literary jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Literary jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Literary Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Literary Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Literary Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Literary Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Literary Assistant jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Literary Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Literary Assistant job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Senior Program Assistant - Biomedical and Health Sciences Program

National Academy of Sciences

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$23.97 - $29.96/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Description Summary:
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Biomedical and Health Sciences Program addresses basic biomedical, translational, clinical, and health sciences research, development, and policy. Addresses workforce issues, bioethics, legal and societal contexts, and the resilience and health security of communities.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Performs complex clerical and administrative duties under minimal supervision. Coordinates logistical and administrative aspects of meetings. Writes, edits, and formats routine correspondence. Interfaces with committee members and performs duties involving committee activities. Plans administrative aspects of unit and committee, forum, and other types of meeting.
Under minimal supervision, primary function is the performance of clerical and administrative tasks requiring the consideration of multiple variables to determine proper course of action. Secondary function may involve basic research activities. Uses pre-determined guidelines to assist in decision-making.
Job Description:
***COVER LETTER REQUIRED***
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
1. Administrative: Performs routine and complex clerical and administrative tasks including but not limited to detailed scheduling activities, writing and editing correspondence, compiling and coordinating mailings, taking meeting notes, and facilitating follow-up actions. Updates applicable databases and systems on a timely basis and ensures documents and files are accurately maintained and archived. Maintains email and distribution lists.
2. Event Planning and Management: Coordinates and executes logistical arrangements for internal and external meetings and workshops in both virtual and in-person settings. For in-person meetings, coordinates travel and lodging arrangements, selects menus and arranges catering, arranges for support services (e.g. AV), and registers attendees. For virtual meetings, organizes and sets up virtual meeting platform (e.g. Zoom) according to the needs of the meeting, and coordinates with participants. Whether virtual or in-person, assists at meetings and resolves issues. Assembles meeting materials and briefing books and distributes to meeting participants in advance of meeting. Coordinates and executes post-meeting tasks, such as preparing vouchers and reviewing and processing travel expense reports in compliance with applicable policies and procedures.
3. Communication, Dissemination, and Information Management: Updates applicable databases and systems on a timely basis and ensures documents and files are accurately maintained and archived. Maintains email and distribution lists, and coordinates website updates. Responds to inquiries and follows-up on communications. Communicates with members, sponsors, or other external customers, answering questions and providing information.
4. Publications: May assist with formatting, editing, and proofreading publications, as well as coordinating with printers/publishers to have materials printed.
5. Research Support: May perform basic research activities, including gathering citations and performing literature searches for staff and committee members. May participate in other research efforts including collection, assembly, and tabulation of data and summarizing literature.
NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Related duties and special projects as assigned.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to plan and support extensive meeting activities. Ability to solve problems with supervisory consultation or by following procedures. Ability to prioritize work and the flexibility to change directions as the job dictates. Ability to work successfully in a team environment. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies' departments through effective communication. Good communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.
Minimum Education/Training Requirements: High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent knowledge.
Minimum Experience: Four years of related experience.
Physical Capabilities: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to travel.
Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: None.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Reports to program coordinator/officer/director. Supervisor is available to organize work, set objectives, and to assist in problem resolution.
Work Environment: Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies' facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.
Compensation & Benefits: Compensation & Benefits: An estimated compensation range for this position is $23.97 - $29.96 per hour, plus potential overtime. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate's relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range. This is a benefits-eligible position. Our Benefits Plan offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options, including medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement and savings benefits, leave benefits such as paid holidays and paid personal leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance. For more information, please click here.
Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. It is also the institution's policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.
Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units.
Job Family:
PROG
Employee Type:
Employee
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
37.5
City/State:
Washington, District of Columbia